Thanks for the look into your creative process! We usually only see the film itself, but never get to see this part of the movie film making. Its eye-opening!
Interesting interview, and I read Backgammon afterwards. Written entirely in dialogue, it's almost a screenplay already. I like the way the writer leaks information gradually so the whole picture comes together like a jigsaw, excuse the mixed metaphors.
Thanks for reading, Patsy. I hope you'll join our journey together. I do think there are some considerable challenges adapting. I think one of the first problems is figuring out how the voice over fits in (I suppose, if at all). The dialog itself may be the easiest thing to adapt. I agree with you there. "Leaking" is a good way to put it, as is "jigsaw" mixed metaphor or not.
We're working through the mechanics of how we present this, but will try to get as under-the-hood as possible: script, editing, conversations, excitement, frustrations, cycle of despair and exhilaration. 😂
I enjoyed this conversation very much. I came to this platform to write but I come back every day because I’m learning so much from so many people on subjects that are so diverse. Today it was your conversation about short stories and how to make them into a short film—what works, what doesn’t. Fascinating. Look forward to wherever this leads.
All ideas welcome here. This is a bit unusual what we’re doing. The source story is published on my site now and we’ll definitely publish the script as it progresses- even if I’m going to hide under the couch.
I’m worried the video is going to be (could be) crushingly boring or we’ll get into wild artistic disputes which might actually be interesting…. Hmmm…
Just a thought... we're about to try it over here w/ a half hour pilot... I have a number of actors on my stack who are willing to engage in absurdly artistic debates... which could go any number of ways. I may be left hiding under the bed after the whole thing is done, lol. But not for too long... Hollywood has fossilized me properly :)
Really enjoyed this, seeing the birth of a creative project. The conversation about the balance between being in-scene versus voiceover is right on point. I agree, I'd want to be right there in that living room with the cracked ceiling or the backyard. And, definitely, in the interview, not to know who exactly he's speaking with or where they are. I look forward to further developments of this project. Thanks for this peek behind the scenes.
It's all interesting to me! I have so many questions! I loved what Remy said about how the visuals in film overpower the words and people tend not to listen. Being a visual person, I'm wondering if either of you use storyboards, or if you'll use them for this project. Or does the screenplay serve that purpose? The decision about where to film is another interesting problem he raised - in UK or US. How long is the shoot for a 20-minute film? A week? A month? Will you crowdfund it?
For now, I'd love to get a peek inside a screenwriting session - digging into that gnarly question of the rhythm of scenes w/ the girl versus the interview. Thinking about it, maybe none of it is voiceover, per se. It could all be in-scene, cut together?
It's a great question, maybe THE question -- and I don't know. One of the considerations that has been bouncing around my mind is that a lot of the tension of the piece is generated from the "conversation" itself. The context creates a sort of dread about what happened. I don't want to lose that, but v.o. takes us out of the drama, too. I think Remy and I will have to make some choices here - or try it a couple ways to see what feels best.
Thanks for responding Adam! I could imagine some great opportunities turning your story into a film, for example by gradually 'leaking' visually what you did so deftly in the writing, that's to say the identity of the interviewer, bit by bit. I will certainly join your journey with great interest.
You are the first to weigh in with your own take. I hoped participation from readers will be a rich part of this. In any event, you’re the first person to get into the fray. I love it.
Actually..,. Embarrassing question… what is a Substack table read?
I'm guessing an actor's reading of the script with substack members?
Thanks for the look into your creative process! We usually only see the film itself, but never get to see this part of the movie film making. Its eye-opening!
Glad you enjoyed it Brandon :)
Hopefully, we can share the entire process end-to-end – from adaptation to audience.
But first the script, no mean feat in its own right.
That'll be awesome! Can't wait to see it being made!
This is great! Do think about using Substack musicians if/when getting to do the soundtrack!
And we can cast it with Substactors!
I didn't actually answer your question. I think it would be wonderful.
How intriguing!
Thanks Jan!
🤗
What a fantastic idea! Looking forward to see how this journey unfolds!
Thanks a bunch Alexander 🙌
Delighted to have you support, Alexander.
Of course. 💪
Interesting interview, and I read Backgammon afterwards. Written entirely in dialogue, it's almost a screenplay already. I like the way the writer leaks information gradually so the whole picture comes together like a jigsaw, excuse the mixed metaphors.
Thanks for reading, Patsy. I hope you'll join our journey together. I do think there are some considerable challenges adapting. I think one of the first problems is figuring out how the voice over fits in (I suppose, if at all). The dialog itself may be the easiest thing to adapt. I agree with you there. "Leaking" is a good way to put it, as is "jigsaw" mixed metaphor or not.
It was a pleasure watching you two walk through the what, why and how of this collaboration. Exciting idea to document the process!
Cheers Alex!
We're working through the mechanics of how we present this, but will try to get as under-the-hood as possible: script, editing, conversations, excitement, frustrations, cycle of despair and exhilaration. 😂
What an exciting collaboration. I can't wait to watch this unfold.
Yes! A high-wire act to be sure. 😀 Thrilled that you can watch this play out.
That's kind of you to say :)
Wow!!
(I'm just starting. Might be I add a lot of superuseful "wows" later)) But what a great idea! I always "saw" that story
We'll take all the "wows" we can get and as soon as possible. 😆
it's been several more since))
😝
I enjoyed this conversation very much. I came to this platform to write but I come back every day because I’m learning so much from so many people on subjects that are so diverse. Today it was your conversation about short stories and how to make them into a short film—what works, what doesn’t. Fascinating. Look forward to wherever this leads.
Thanks for the encouragement here. It will be an interesting journey at minimum. 😀
I love everything about this. I'll be following with interest!
Thank you! There's a tiny hiatus at the moment as I'm traveling, but Remy and I will be back at this in full force fairly soon.
Adam Nathan is currently sipping a pina colada somewhere off the coast of Africa :)
A substack table read of one or both scripts would be so fun...
All ideas welcome here. This is a bit unusual what we’re doing. The source story is published on my site now and we’ll definitely publish the script as it progresses- even if I’m going to hide under the couch.
I’m worried the video is going to be (could be) crushingly boring or we’ll get into wild artistic disputes which might actually be interesting…. Hmmm…
Just a thought... we're about to try it over here w/ a half hour pilot... I have a number of actors on my stack who are willing to engage in absurdly artistic debates... which could go any number of ways. I may be left hiding under the bed after the whole thing is done, lol. But not for too long... Hollywood has fossilized me properly :)
Remy and I would both like seats if you have an audience. And I can’t fit it into a sentence right now, but I want to share my new word: Substactors.
Oh, it's brilliant! Yes, yes!!! Officially in the lexicon. And will put you both on the list:)
Really enjoyed this, seeing the birth of a creative project. The conversation about the balance between being in-scene versus voiceover is right on point. I agree, I'd want to be right there in that living room with the cracked ceiling or the backyard. And, definitely, in the interview, not to know who exactly he's speaking with or where they are. I look forward to further developments of this project. Thanks for this peek behind the scenes.
Any thoughts on how best to present this process? What would be interesting to see or understand?
It's all interesting to me! I have so many questions! I loved what Remy said about how the visuals in film overpower the words and people tend not to listen. Being a visual person, I'm wondering if either of you use storyboards, or if you'll use them for this project. Or does the screenplay serve that purpose? The decision about where to film is another interesting problem he raised - in UK or US. How long is the shoot for a 20-minute film? A week? A month? Will you crowdfund it?
For now, I'd love to get a peek inside a screenwriting session - digging into that gnarly question of the rhythm of scenes w/ the girl versus the interview. Thinking about it, maybe none of it is voiceover, per se. It could all be in-scene, cut together?
It's a great question, maybe THE question -- and I don't know. One of the considerations that has been bouncing around my mind is that a lot of the tension of the piece is generated from the "conversation" itself. The context creates a sort of dread about what happened. I don't want to lose that, but v.o. takes us out of the drama, too. I think Remy and I will have to make some choices here - or try it a couple ways to see what feels best.
Really? I'm not usually the first in anything. I'm sure you'll get some fascinating responses as time goes on.
Thanks for responding Adam! I could imagine some great opportunities turning your story into a film, for example by gradually 'leaking' visually what you did so deftly in the writing, that's to say the identity of the interviewer, bit by bit. I will certainly join your journey with great interest.
You are the first to weigh in with your own take. I hoped participation from readers will be a rich part of this. In any event, you’re the first person to get into the fray. I love it.
This is going to be fun to see unfold. Great conversation.
Can you see the question to Julie below? Any great ideas on making this process engaging? You’re good at this.